Cash withdrawal from ATM via videophone

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and method for purchasing cash from an ATM. The ATM has a unique identifier visibly located thereon. A customer phone includes a camera and a programmable memory. The camera can be used to capture an image of the ATM&#39;s identifier. The memory includes customer account data. A customer uses their phone to establish wireless communication with a transaction host. The customer can transmit to the host a request for cash from the ATM. The request includes the account data and the image. The host can use the account data in payment for the requested cash. The host uses the image to identify the particular ATM associated with the request. After payment, the host causes the identified ATM to dispense the requested cash.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/315,840 filed Dec. 5, 2008 which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 11/895,976 filed Aug. 28, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No.7,461,779, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/714,615filed Mar. 6, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,392,938, which is a divisionalof U.S. application Ser. No. 11/415,531 filed May 2, 2006, now U.S. Pat.No. 7,201,313, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.10/795,926 filed Mar. 8, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,533, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/826,675 filed Apr.5, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,181, which is a divisional of U.S.application Ser. No. 09/076,051 filed May 11, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No.6,315,195, which claims benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S.Provisional Application 60/082,299 filed Apr. 17, 1998, and thedisclosures of each Application are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to devices for conducting financial transactions.Specifically this invention relates to a transaction apparatus andsystem which enables a single card with a programmable memory to be usedas a substitute for a plurality of conventional credit cards,identification cards, benefit cards and other objects which includeindicia such as magnetic indicia or bar code.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The most common type of credit and debit cards in use today are magneticstripe type cards. The standardized format used for such cards includesindicia on a front side of the card. Such indicia identifies the cardowner, an account number, a card type, a card issuer, an expiration dateas well as possibly other information. Such indicia is presented asraised letters and numbers which can be used to make an impression on amultipart carbon or carbonless form. The rear of such cards have amagnetic stripe supported thereon. The magnetic stripe includes severaltracks of information. This information includes magnetic indiciarepresentative of the information found on the front of the card as wellas other information that is used in processing transactionselectronically. Magnetic stripe cards are commonly used for credit cardtypes such as MasterCard®, VISA®, Discover®, American Express®, Diner'sClub® and others.

Most people also carry debit cards which allow them to access money intheir checking and savings accounts using automated banking machines.Some debit cards also function as credit cards. Most debit cards in usetoday are magnetic stripe cards similar in format to credit cards.

Due to the convenience of using credit and debit cards most people carryseveral such cards in their wallet. Because of financial incentivesassociated with the issuance and sponsorship of credit cards, many usersare offered cards by different banks, clubs, fraternal organizations andmerchandising organizations. As a result it is common for people to haveseveral different MasterCard® and VISA® accounts. This gives consumersthe opportunity to take advantage of premiums such as frequent flyermiles and rebates offered by card sponsors. Having several differentcredit cards also enables consumers to take advantage of the creditlimits on all their cards. While having many credit and debit cards is abenefit to consumers, it also requires them to carry several cards. Italso exposes consumers to a greater risk if their wallet or purse, whichincludes all their credit and debit cards, is lost or stolen.

Most individuals also carry a number of other objects or cards whichinclude machine readable indicia. These often include, for example, ahealth insurance card which indicates that a person is a member of aparticular group insurance plan. Such cards are often magnetic stripecards similar to credit cards. Alternatively such health insurance cardsmay include bar code indicia or other visible indicia which can be readwith a scanner. Some health insurance cards include both visible andmagnetic indicia. Persons who are members of a health insurance plan canidentify themselves and their account to medical providers by showingtheir card which can be read or scanned by appropriate devices.

Persons also commonly carry other types of cards with visible ormagnetic indicia. These may include for example, library cards,identification, or access cards, employee identification cards, studentidentification cards, driver's license cards, professional license cardsand other types of cardlike objects. The magnetic or visible indicia onthese cards is usually read when presented by the card holder toidentify the person as an authorized user of services or facilities.

Another type of card which has been developed is the stored value cardcommonly referred to as a “smart card.” Stored value cards are similarto credit and debit cards in construction in that they include a frontside which has raised identifying indicia which can be transferred to acarbon or carbonless multipart form. Such cards also commonly include amagnetic stripe including magnetic indicia which enables the card towork like any other credit or debit card. Stored value cards alsoinclude a programmable memory mounted on the card. Such programmablememory stores data representative of cash value. The value on the storedvalue card can be used like cash by the bearer to purchase goods orservices. The stored value data on the card is also often encrypted orstored using schemes to prevent fraud or tampering therewith.

Stored value cards, like debit and credit cards, require the customer tointeract with a stationary terminal device to utilize the card. Forexample, in the case of credit cards, credit is obtained when thecustomer presents their card to a merchant. The merchant (unless theyprocess transactions manually) utilizes a point of sale or electronicfunds transfer terminal to charge an amount to the customer's accountand credit the merchant's account. Similarly the use of a debit cardrequires that the user present their card to an automated bankingmachine such as an ATM. The ATM operates to add or deduct amounts fromthe user's account as funds are deposited or received by the user.Similarly, stored value cards are used in connection with a stationaryterminal device such as an electronic funds transfer terminal orautomated banking machine which has the special capabilities to handlethe particular type of stored value card used. The terminal modifies thevalue information stored in memory on the card to reflect the additionor subtraction of value represented thereon as transactions areconducted.

Having to use a stationary terminal device to conduct transactions isoften inconvenient. Most merchants only accept certain types of creditcards. Locating an ATM that accepts the debit card of a person'sfinancial institution can be difficult. Often the use of a “foreign”card at another bank's ATM results in a significant service charge. Itis also difficult to find a merchant or ATM that can process storedvalue cards.

Thus there exists a need for an apparatus and method that can reduce thenumber of credit, debit and other cards or cardlike objects that aperson must carry while still obtaining the benefit of carrying all suchcards and objects individually.

There further exists a need for an apparatus and method which changesthe character of the indicia on a card, such as a stored value card, soas to give a single card the ability to be used as a substitute for anyone of a plurality of credit, debit, or other cards.

Finally, there further exists a need for an apparatus and method forcarrying out transactions using a hand-held device that enables a userto remotely interact with a transaction terminal device, such as anautomated banking machine, electronic cash register, or electronic fundstransfer terminal.

OBJECTS OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

It is an object of an exemplary form of the present invention to providea novel transaction apparatus.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide a transaction apparatus which enables a user to use a singlecard which can be changed to conduct transactions using a plurality ofthe user's accounts.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide a transaction apparatus which can be used in lieu of a pluralityof credit, debit and other cards and objects.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide a transaction apparatus that selectively displays visibleindicia reproduced from a card or object, which visible indicia can beread by individuals or with a machine.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide a transaction apparatus which can transfer value to or from astored value card without the use of a stationary terminal device.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide a transaction apparatus that is compact, portable andlightweight.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide a transaction apparatus that can be configured in a manner whichconforms to the shape of a conventional purse, wallet or keyfob andwhich may perform the functions thereof as well as the functionsassociated with carrying out transactions.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide a transaction apparatus that authorizes operation based on aphysical characteristic of an authorized user.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide a transaction apparatus which includes a rechargeable powersupply.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide a transaction apparatus that is economical to produce and easyto operate.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide a method for storing data about a plurality of accounts held byuser in a single memory carried on a card.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide a method for accessing data corresponding to plurality ofaccounts from the memory on a single card and selectively transferringsuch data to a magnetic stripe or visual display in connection with thecard.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide a method for selectively deleting and writing indiciacorresponding to any one of a plurality of selected accounts onto themagnetic stripe of a single card.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide a method for transferring value between a plurality of accountsand the memory of a stored value card without using a stationaryterminal device.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide an apparatus and method for carrying out transactions using aportable hand-held device that enables a user to remotely interact witha transaction terminal device.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toenable a portable hand-held device to wirelessly transmit accountinformation during a transaction.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toenable a portable hand-held device to wirelessly transmit accountinformation to an electronic check generating system.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toenable a portable hand-held device to capture and transmit an image of amerchandise item identifier during the purchase of the item in aself-service checkout.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toenable a portable hand-held device to capture and transmit an image ofan automated banking machine identifier during a self-service cashwithdrawal transaction.

Further objects of exemplary embodiments will be made apparent in thefollowing detailed description of exemplary embodiments and the appendedclaims.

The foregoing objects are accomplished in one exemplary embodiment ofthe invention by an apparatus which includes a card which is of a typewhich includes a magnetic stripe supported thereon. The magnetic stripemay be of a conventional configuration and capable of having magneticindicia recorded or written thereon. The card also includes aprogrammable memory which is supported on the card. The programmablememory preferably includes data representative of a plurality ofaccounts which the user has, such as various credit card accounts, debitcard accounts and other accounts.

The apparatus further includes a portable terminal. The portableterminal is preferably sufficiently small so as to be readily portable.The terminal may be incorporated into a wallet, purse or keyfob. Theportable terminal is releasibly engageable with the card and includes amemory reading device which is operative to read the account data fromthe memory on the card. The portable terminal also includes an inputdevice which enables the user to select data from the card memorycorresponding to any one of the plurality of the user's accounts. Theportable terminal preferably further includes a magnetic writing devicewhich enables the user to write magnetic indicia corresponding to aselected account in the programmable memory to the magnetic stripe onthe card. This enables the user to use the card in place of thededicated credit card for that particular account. The portable terminalfurther preferably includes a magnetic stripe erasing device whichenables the user to erase the indicia from the magnetic stripe so thatthe user may subsequently write data corresponding to a differentaccount to the magnetic stripe when desired.

The card memory may further include data representative of a storedamount. This amount represents a monetary value which the user may useas a cash substitute. The portable terminal device preferably includes acommunications device which enables the user to make the transfersbetween the accounts for which data is held in memory and the monetaryamount stored on the card. In addition the monetary amount stored on thecard may be transferred using stationary terminals such as ATMs andpoint of sale terminals which have stored value card capabilities.

The card memory may further include data representative of visualindicia which are found on a plurality of cards or other objectsassociated with the user. The visible indicia may include for example,bar code indicia representative of a user's account with a group healthplan. Alternatively such visible indicia may include bar code or otherindicia associated with a student I.D., employee access card, driver'slicense, or other types of objects. The visible indicia may also includea reproduction of the user's signature or other identifyingcharacteristics. The portable terminal may include a display upon whichthe stored visible indicia may be reproduced in response to inputs to aninput device. This enables visible indicia to be read with a machinefrom the display, which serves as a substitute for scanning off the cardor object which the user is no longer required to carry. The card memorymay also include data representative of icons or other graphics as wellas data representative of instructions which are used by a processor inthe portable terminal for carrying out transactions.

In some embodiments the portable terminal may further include objectreading devices such as a magnetic stripe reader and a bar code scanner.Such devices are used to read magnetic indicia from the original creditand debit cards and to transfer such information may be stored in theprogrammable memory of the card used in connection with the invention.Similarly the object reader in the form of a scanner may read thevisible indicia such as a bar code from an object so that such indiciamay be stored in the memory on the card. The input device of theexemplary terminal is used to input designators which are stored incorrelated relation with the data which corresponds to the various typesof magnetic stripes and bar codes. The memory on the card may furtherinclude data representative of an access code as well as instructions tominimize the risk that an unauthorized user may gain access to the datastored in memory. Alternatively, the card memory may further includedata uniquely associated with the user such as fingerprint data or otherbiometric data. The terminal may include a reader for reading such datato assure that the user is the person authorized to use the card.

The exemplary form of the invention enables a user to carry a singlecard which the user may use in lieu of a plurality of cards or otherobjects which the user would otherwise be required to carry. Theexemplary form of the invention further enables a user to transferamounts between a stored value card and their various accounts withouthaving to use a stationary terminal such as a point of sale terminal oran automated banking machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a top plan view of an exemplary form of a transactionapparatus of the present invention including a multifunction card and aportable terminal.

FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of the portable terminal of the typeshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of the portable terminal shown in FIG. 2in combination with a wallet structure.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of the components of the portable terminalas well as a system through which the portable terminal communicates.

FIGS. 5-14 show views of exemplary function selection screens throughwhich a user may select functions to be executed using the transactionapparatus.

FIGS. 15-24 show examples of screens displayed on the portable terminaland associated with the logic flow for adding a new card type to theprogrammable memory on the multifunction card.

FIGS. 25-31 show a series of screens displayed on the programmableterminal and associated with the logic flow for deleting a card from theprogrammable memory on the multifunction card.

FIGS. 32-42 show screens displayed on the portable terminal andassociated with the logic flow for writing selected card information tothe magnetic stripe of the multifunction card.

FIGS. 43-52 show screens displayed on the portable terminal andassociated with the logic flow for adding a bar code to the programmablememory on the multifunction card.

FIGS. 53-56 show screens displayed by the programmable terminal andassociated with the logic flow for displaying a bar code correspondingto information stored on the programmable memory of the multifunctioncard.

FIGS. 57-61 show screens displayed on the portable terminal andassociated with the logic flow for deleting a bar code from theprogrammable memory on the multifunction card.

FIGS. 62 and 63 show screens displayed on the portable terminal andassociated with the logic flow for checking the stored cash valuerepresented by the data stored in the programmable memory on themultifunction card.

FIGS. 64-74 show screens displayed on the portable terminal andassociated with the logic flow for transferring cash value to theprogrammable memory on the multifunction card.

FIGS. 75-88 show screens displayed on the portable terminal andassociated with the logic flow for transferring value from theprogrammable memory on the multifunction card to a selected useraccount.

FIGS. 89-95 show screens displayed on the portable terminal andassociated with the logic flow for assuring that a user is authorized touse the terminal.

FIG. 96 shows an electronic check-generating arrangement.

FIG. 97 shows an example of an electronic check format prior to addingentries.

FIG. 98 shows an example of a completed electronic check.

FIG. 99 shows an exemplary form of a transaction payment arrangement foran item purchase.

FIG. 100 shows steps included in an exemplary self-service checkoutduring an item purchase.

FIG. 101 shows steps included in an exemplary cash withdrawaltransaction.

FIG. 102 shows an exemplary form of an arrangement for a cash withdrawaltransaction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1 there is showntherein a transaction apparatus of one exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention generally indicated 10. The apparatus includes amultifunction card 12 and a portable terminal 14. The exemplary portableterminal and multifunction card are releasibly engageable in a mannerlater discussed to enable carrying out a plurality of functions andtransactions.

The multifunction card 12 may have the dimensional configuration ofconventional credit and debit cards. It includes a magnetic stripe 16 ona rear face thereof. The magnetic stripe is capable of holding magneticindicia similar to the magnetic stripes on conventional debit, creditand similar cards. Like the stripes on such cards, magnetic stripe 16 isalso preferably capable of having the magnetic indicia thereon erasedwith an erase head or similar device, and having new indicia recorded orwritten thereon.

Multifunction card 12 further includes a programmable memory 18supported thereon. Programmable memory 18 includes a plurality ofelectrical or other contacts 20 which are accessible on the front of thecard. In the exemplary embodiment the card and programmable memory are atype and configuration such as is commercially available from a numberof suppliers including Diebold, Incorporated, the Assignee of thepresent invention. The contacts 20 and the magnetic stripe 16 arepositioned in predetermined locations on the card to enable the card tobe used with a variety of devices. Of course in other embodiments of theinvention nonconventional orientations and configurations of themagnetic stripe and the programmable memory contacts may be used.

As later explained, multifunction card 12 is designed to be used as asubstitute for a plurality of varied types of credit, debit and othercards. However in embodiments of the invention, card 12 may includeinformation on the face or rear thereof so as to identify the particularuser to whom the card belongs, an issuer of the card, as well as otherdata. In some embodiments, the front side of the card may include raisednumbers and letters corresponding to a particular credit card accountand from which an impression may be made onto a carbon or carbonlessform. For example information on the face of the card may correspond toa user's MasterCard®, VISA®, American Express®, Discovery®, Novus®,Diner's Club® or other card.

This enables the exemplary multifunction card to be used as the user'sregular credit card when purchasing goods or services in establishmentsthat do manual processing of credit card transactions. Of course whilein the embodiment discussed, conventional credit card indicia may beincluded on the front of the multifunction card, in other embodimentsspecial indicia may be presented on the card.

Portable terminal 14 includes a display 22 on the front face thereof. Inone exemplary form of the invention display 22 is an LCD type display orother suitable display that may be used for displaying words, graphicsand other visible indicia in a manner later explained. Portable terminal14 further includes at least one input device that may be used to inputinformation by a user. In the embodiment shown, the input deviceincludes a manual input device which consists of a plurality of buttons.These buttons include a scroll up button 24 and a scroll down button 26.These scroll up and scroll down buttons 24, 26 which may be referred tohereafter as “up button” and “down button” respectively, are pressed bya user to selectively display items on the display.

The input device of the terminal further includes an enter button 28.The enter button is used in a manner later explained to initiateexecution of a function corresponding to the information displayed ondisplay 22. Terminal 14 further includes an on/off button 30. Button 30is preferably used in the manner later explained to initiate atransaction or to signify completion of a transaction and to turn theterminal off. It should be understood that the input device comprisingmanual input buttons 24, 26, 28 and 30 are exemplary only and that otherembodiments of the invention may incorporate other arrangements ofmanual and other types of input devices.

As shown in FIG. 2 portable terminal 14 further includes a slot 32. Slot32 extends through the body of the terminal and is sized to enablemultifunction card 12 to be passed therethrough. An exemplary form ofthe portable terminal includes an external object reading device 34positioned on the exterior of the terminal body. In one form of theinvention the external object reading device may include a bar codereader which enables reading bar code off of cards and other objects sothat information corresponding to such visible indicia may be read andstored in the memory of the multifunction card.

The components which comprise an exemplary embodiment of the portableterminal 14 are schematically indicated in FIG. 4. Terminal 14 includesat least one onboard processor 36 which is in operative connection withthe other components of the portable terminal. Processor 36 is also inconnection with at least one data store or memory 38. Memory 38 may be avolatile or nonvolatile memory which is capable of holding andrecovering data which is received from or delivered to the processor 36.

Processor 36 is in operative connection with other components within theportable terminal 14. These components are represented schematically inFIG. 4 and are indicative of hardware and software componentsoperatively connected with the processor. These components include thedisplay component 40. Display component 40 includes display 22 as wellas the other hardware and software devices which enable the display toprovide visual outputs in response to processor 36. A manual inputcomponent 42 corresponds to a manual input device which in the describedexemplary form of the terminal includes buttons 24, 26, 28 and 30.Component 42 includes the hardware and software which enablescommunicating the inputs from the user through the buttons to theprocessor so that the processor may carry out the functions of theportable terminal in response thereto.

Portable terminal 14 further includes a magnetic stripe read and writecomponent 44. In the exemplary form of the invention this componentincludes magnetic heads which are selectively operated to read magneticindicia from the stripe of a card as well as to write magnetic indiciathereto. It should be understood while component 44 shows thesefunctions as combined, it actually represents two separate functions.These are the functions of reading magnetic indicia from a card andwriting magnetic indicia to a card stripe. These functions may beseparate in other embodiments. Component 44 includes the necessaryhardware and software interfaces to the processor 36 to carry out thesefunctions in a manner later discussed. A magnetic stripe erase component46 is further indicated schematically as part of the portable terminalFIG. 4. This magnetic stripe erase component includes an erase head orother comparable device as well as the hardware and software devicesthat may be used to selectively erase or otherwise clear magneticindicia from the magnetic stripe of the multifunction card. In someembodiments of the invention the magnetic stripe erase component may becombined with the components which function to read and write indicia tothe magnetic stripe of cards. In the exemplary form of the invention theheads, which operate to read, write and erase magnetic stripe indiciafrom credit cards are positioned in the interior of terminal 14 andadjacent to slot 32. This enables the reading, writing and erasingfunctions to be carried out as a card is passed manually therethrough.It should be understood however that in other embodiments other methodsmay be provided for reading, writing and erasing magnetic stripe data.

As shown in FIG. 4 portable terminal 14 further includes a card memoryread/write component 48. Component 48 serves to read and write data tothe programmable memory 18 on multifunction card 12. In the embodimentshown, the memory reading and writing functions are combined. However itshould be understood that these are separate functions and may becarried out through separate arrangements of hardware and software.Component 48 also includes electrical contacts which are positionedadjacent to slot 32 in the portable terminal. These electrical contactsare configured to engage the contacts 20 which enable communication withthe programmable memory 18 of the multifunction card 12. Component 48further includes the hardware and software devices required to read datafrom and write data into the programmable memory on the card.

Portable terminal 14 in the embodiment shown includes a scannercomponent 50. Scanner component 50 includes bar code scanner 34 orsimilar device for reading visible indicia from an object. Component 50further includes the hardware and software devices necessary tocommunicate with processor 36 and the other components of the portableterminal. It should be understood that while the embodiment of theportable terminal shown includes object reading devices for readingmagnetic stripe indicia, visual indicia and indicia stored in theprogrammable memory of cards, other embodiments of the invention mayinclude other types of object reading devices. Likewise other types ofobject writing devices may be included depending on the particular usesmade of the portable terminal.

For example in some embodiments scanner 50 may be a scanner suitable forscanning and reading written indicia. This may include the signature ofan authorized user. Data representative of such a signature may be inputand produced with the scanning device and stored in the programmablememory of the card. The signature may then be reproduced on the displayor transmitted to a remote location for purposes of identifying theauthorized user or the authenticity of a transaction.

Alternative embodiments of the invention may include a biometric readercomponent 47. The biometric reader component may include hardware andsoftware components that can be used to sense a characteristic of a userwhich uniquely identifies the person as an authorized user. In someembodiments the biometric reader component 47 may include a fingerprintreading device. Alternatively, the reader may include an audio inputdevice which can be used to identify a user by voice. Alternatively,visual readers for identifying unique visible features, or a combinationof identifying features of the user may be used. The programmable memoryof the card may include data representative of the identifying biometricfeatures of the authorized user or users. This stored data is used toenable authorized users of the card to operate the terminal with thecard while others are prevented from such operation.

Terminal 14 in the embodiment shown includes a communications component52. Communications component 52 may include a modem or othercommunications devices that are selectively operative under the controlof the processor to communicate with other systems and devices locatedoutside and preferably remote from the portable terminal. In someembodiments the communications component 52 may include a connector forcommunicating through a network 54 to a computer or similar device at aremote location, schematically indicated 56. A connection to the remotelocation may be selectively made based on an address which is used bythe communications component 52 to selectively communicate to thedesired remote location.

In one form of the invention the communications component includes awireless type modem. In such an embodiment network 54 includes acellular phone network which enables communicating to a transactionnetwork. This is done through computers located at one or more remoteaddresses which are accessed via a phone number which serves as theaddress. Alternatively communications component 52 may communicatethrough a conventional telephone access port which includes a telephoneconnector on the body of the portable terminal. In other embodiments thecommunications network 54 may include communications intranets or publicnetworks such as the internet, which selectively enable communication bythe portable terminal to selected nodes in the network. In suchenvironments the addresses to which the portable terminal communicatesare the addresses of the network nodes which may properly receivetransaction messages.

As shown in FIG. 4 the portable terminal includes a power sourceschematically indicated 58. Power source 58 may include any suitablesource of power for the components in the portable terminal. Suitablepower sources may include rechargeable or nonrechargeable batteries orconnectors to external power sources such as the cigarette lighter of avehicle. The power source 58 may further include a renewable energysource, such as a solar panel 60 which may be used to provide energyfrom the sun or other available light source.

As shown in FIG. 3 portable terminal 14 may be integrated into a carrier62 which may take the form of a wallet such as that shown in FIG. 3.Alternatively the carrier may be of a type which performs otherfunctions such as those of a purse, personal digital assistant, notebookcomputer, keyfob, pager, cellular phone or other component carried by auser. As demonstrated by the carrier 62 shown in FIG. 3, the portableterminal 14 may be integrated into a wallet type device which includesspaces for holding the multifunction card as well as other credit cardsand identification cards. The carrier may further include spaces forholding cash, keys and other items in a manner of a conventional wallet.Similarly the carrier 62 may include a supporting surface for the solarpanel 60 as well as other features and components which may be desiredby a user. The small size and portability of the terminal 14 of theexemplary embodiment enables it to be integrated into any one of aplurality of carrier type devices while still enabling such devices tocarry out their traditional and/or nontraditional functions.

In an exemplary form of the invention the portable terminal 14 operatesto perform a plurality of functions. These functions are carried outbased on instructions which may be included in whole or in part in theprogrammable memory 18 of the multifunction card 12. The processor 36 ofthe portable terminal 14 carries out instruction steps in response tothe inputs provided by the user of the card and portable terminal. Inembodiments of the invention the memory 38 in connection with theportable terminal may also include certain programmed instructions whichare permanently stored therein so as to facilitate certain operations ofthe terminal. The programmable memory on the card may also include thedata representative of accounts, indicia, access codes, monetary values,graphics, location data and other information which is used in theoperation of the apparatus.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention the functions which areenabled to be executed include adding a new card to the memory. This isaccomplished by reading information off of a magnetic stripe of anexisting dedicated card with the portable terminal and storing it in theprogrammable memory of the multifunction card. This information can berecovered later and the magnetic indicia written on the magnetic stripeof the multifunction card.

Another function executed in an exemplary embodiment of the invention isto selectively delete card data from the memory on the card. This couldbe done for example when a user no longer desires to use themultifunction card as a substitute for the dedicated card.

Another function or an exemplary embodiment of the invention is to writethe indicia stored in the memory of the magnetic stripe card onto themagnetic stripe of the multifunction card or perhaps another magneticstripe card.

Another function which is carried out in an exemplary embodiment of theinvention is to add visual indicia such as a bar code to the memory ofthe multifunction card. Likewise, another function is to delete a barcode or other visual indicia stored in the card memory. A furtherfunction is to display one of the selected visual indicia such as a barcode or a user's signature which is stored in the memory of the card.

Other functions of embodiments of the invention may be to carry outfinancial transactions without the need to use a stationary terminal.Such functions include checking the cash equivalent value stored in thememory of the multifunction card. Another transaction is to transfervalue stored in the memory of the multifunction card to another account.The transfer of funds from an account to the programmable memory on themultifunction card so that it can be used as a cash equivalent therefromis a further transaction which may be carried out by embodiments of theinvention.

The various functions which the described embodiments of the transactionapparatus may carry out and the logic associated therewith are nowexplained with reference to FIGS. 5-95 which disclose transaction stepscarried out by a user in executing the various functions. In the form ofthe invention described, the programmable memory 18 on the card includesdata representative of prompt messages. When the multifunction card 12is extended in the terminal so that the contacts 20 thereon can be readby the connectors of the card memory read/write component 48, the storedinstructions which include the prompt messages and the associated logicmay be read. The processor 36 then operates the display component 40 toselectively display prompt messages on the display 22 of the terminal14.

In an exemplary form of the invention security measures are provided toassure that only a proper authorized user is enabled to operate thesystem. This may be accomplished by requiring a user to input an accesscode which is known only to them before the terminal functions may beaccessed. This access code may be programmed in the programmable memory18 using a separate terminal device. Alternatively provisions may bemade for executing a software program which enables the user to selecttheir access code the first time that the multifunction card is used inconnection with the portable terminal. This program may be stored in thememory of the terminal or on the card. In alternative embodiments thecard holds biometric data related to authorized users. The biometricdata of a user is input through the biometric reader 47. For example,when the reader 47 includes a fingerprint reader a user may place apredetermined finger adjacent to the reader. If the input datacorresponds to an authorized user, the terminal may be operated. In someembodiments the user may scan a single fingerprint to gain access. Theparticular finger selected may be one chosen by and known only to theuser. In other embodiments a plurality of fingerprints from one or bothhands, may need to be read in a selected order. This may increase thesecurity level.

One form of the logic flow associated with assuring that an authorizeduser uses the apparatus of the invention is demonstrated with referenceto FIGS. 89-95. In initiating the operation of the terminal the user isfirst required to place the multifunction card 12 in the slot 32 of theportable terminal 14. The card is preferably inserted into the slot in amanner which enables the electrical connectors associated with component48 to engage the contacts 20 on the card. The slot corresponds closelyto the width of the card and serves as a guide for positioning the cardas it is passed therethrough. A spring loaded finger or other releasablestop may be positioned adjacent the slot to stop the card at the properdepth inside the terminal to engage the contacts. The user preferablyknows how to insert the card into the slot in order to achieve thisconnection based on experience. Alternatively, instructions printed onthe face of the card and/or the terminal may instruct the user in how toinsert the card. The memory 38 in the terminal 14 may also include datarepresentative of prompts which are displayed on the screen 22 whichinstruct the user on how to properly insert the multifunction card.

For purposes of this example, the sign on process for a user preferablybegins with the display screen 100 shown in FIG. 89. Screen 100 is ablank screen which indicates that the terminal is off. When the userpresses the on/off button 30, a screen 102 as shown in FIG. 90 isdisplayed. Screen 102 preferably includes a prompt which instructs theuser to enter their access code.

The entry of the user's personal access code is demonstrated in FIG.91-94. In entering the access code of the embodiment shown, the userstarts with a screen 104 shown in FIG. 91. Screen 104 includes sevenspaces in which the user may input alphabetical or numerical characterswhich make up the access code. Pressing the up button 24 when screen 104is displayed begins a scrolling process in the first space for input ofthe access code. This causes the screen to change the first space from ablank space to the letter “a.” This is shown in FIG. 92 and isrepresented by a screen 106. Pressing the up button 24 again (orcontinuing to hold it) changes the first character to the letter “b” asindicated by a screen 108 in FIG. 93. The user may move to subsequentletters by holding or repeatedly pushing the up button, thus scrollingthrough the alphabet and/or numerical values until the desired firstcharacter of the access code is displayed in the first space. Of coursethe user may scroll backwards by pushing the down button. In thisexample the letter “b” is the first character of the user's access codeand the user indicates that fact by pressing the enter button 28 asschematically indicated in FIG. 93.

After the first character is entered, the user selects the secondcharacter of the access code in a similar manner. This is again done byselectively pressing the up and down buttons 24 and 26 until the desiredalphabetical or numerical character is displayed in the second space.Once the desired character is displayed in the second space the userpresses the enter button 28 to move to the next character. This isrepresented by screen 110 in FIG. 94. In the embodiment shown the usermay enter up to seven characters as the access code. However in theexemplary embodiment the user may not require seven characters and maysimply choose to leave certain characters as blanks. In the embodimentshown the user's access code is the five letter word “broom” and the twofinal characters are simply left blank. After the user indicates this bypressing the enter button 28 to leave blanks for the last twocharacters, a screen 112 shown in FIG. 95 is displayed.

In screen 112 the user is given the option of either changing theiraccess code or proceeding to a main menu. The user may select the optionof changing their access code by pressing the up button 24. This willlead the user through a series of prompt screens to enter a new accesscode. This series of prompt screens may lead the user throughappropriate steps in accordance with the instructions stored in thememory on the card or in the terminal so as to enter a new code. Inalternative embodiments of the invention a biometric identifier may beused as an access code. In such a system the user would be promptedthrough the display 40 to input identifying biometric data to thebiometric reader 47. For example, if the biometric reader is afingerprint reader, the user may be prompted to bring a finger that theyhave preselected adjacent to the reader. The reader 47 would read thefingerprint and produce suitable signals to compare the input data tothe data stored on the card. If the input data corresponds to anauthorized user, the user is authorized to further operate the terminal.The user may be given the option to change the biometric data, such asto add data for another authorized user, or to change the finger usedfor providing fingerprint data in the accessing process or to use asequence of fingerprints to obtain access.

Alternative embodiments may use other processes and criteria to accessthe card data. Once the user has properly gained access they may begiven the option of changing the access code or other sign onprocedures. For purposes of this example however the user chooses theoption of displaying a main menu which is selected by pressing the downbutton 26 as indicated schematically in FIG. 95.

The prompt messages in FIGS. 5-13 represent a main menu showing thevarious transactions that can be conducted with the apparatus. FIG. 5shows a screen 64 which includes a prompt which queries a user as towhether they wish to add a new card to the memory on the multifunctioncard. In the embodiment shown the fact that additional options areavailable by scrolling up or scrolling down are indicated by a dualpointed arrow adjacent to the text displayed. By pressing the downbutton 26 as indicated schematically, the user may move to screen 66shown in FIG. 6. This screen indicates the availability of the selectionof the transaction to delete a card from memory. Pressing the downbutton again causes the display of the terminal to provide the screen 68shown in FIG. 7. This screen provides a prompt corresponding to thetransaction in which data stored in the programmable memory of themultifunction card is written to a magnetic stripe.

Scrolling with the down button 26 from screen 68 causes screen 70 inFIG. 8 to be displayed. Screen 70 includes a prompt corresponding to atransaction in which bar code is added to the programmable memory of themultifunction card. FIG. 9 discloses a screen 72 which may be displayedby scrolling with the down button from screen 70. Screen 72 correspondsto deleting a bar code from the memory on the multifunction card. Screen74 shown in FIG. 10 includes a prompt to the user which enablesselection of a transaction in which bar codes stored in the memory maybe displayed.

FIG. 11 shows a screen 76 which includes a prompt which corresponds to atransaction in which a user may check the cash value represented by datastored on the programmable memory of the card. Such data corresponds toa cash value which enables the multifunction card to be used in amariner identical to cash. From FIG. 11 a user may scroll to a screen 78shown in FIG. 12 which prompts the user to select an availabletransaction in which value may be transferred from the stored value onthe multifunction card. FIG. 13 shows a screen 80 with a prompt whichenables the user to select a transaction in which value will betransferred onto the memory of the multifunction card.

In the exemplary form of the invention the prompts in the screens of themain menu enable scrolling back to prior screens either by pushing theup or down buttons. As shown in FIG. 13 by pressing the down button fromscreen 80 the user causes the first screen 64 to again be displayed. Ofcourse the user can move up and down by pressing buttons 26 and 24 whichenables them to select any of the transactions available in the mainmenu. For purposes of a first example if a user wishes to add a new cardto memory they can manually depress the enter button 28 of the inputdevice as represented schematically in FIG. 14. Pressing the enterbutton 28 from screen 64 causes the processor 36 to begin executing theinstructions stored in the programmable memory of the card and/or memory38 of the terminal to add a new card into the memory.

This routine begins as schematically indicated in FIG. 15 with screen64. FIG. 15 is identical to FIG. 14, the screen being repeated hereinfor the sake of clarity. In response to a user pressing the enter button28 a screen 80 of the type shown in FIG. 16 is presented. This screenincludes a screen prompt which prompts the user to identify the type ofcard to be added. The memory on the multifunction card or the terminalpreferably includes data representative of icons of major card types.These may include for example the icons representative of the logos forMasterCard®, VISA®, American Express®, Novus®, Discovery® and/or othercommon card types which a user is likely to want to enter. In screen 80a MasterCard® logo is displayed by way of example, with an arrowindicating that other selections are available by pressing the downbutton 26.

By pressing the down button from screen 80, screen 82 shown in FIG. 17is displayed. This prompt screen includes the VISA® designator and logo,and allows the user to indicate that the card they are about to add is aVISA® card. The arrows adjacent to the VISAS logo displayed on thescreen pointing both up and down indicates that the user may press theup or down buttons to display other card types. For purposes of thisexample it will be assumed that the card that the user wishes to add tothe memory is a VISA® card. To indicate this, the user presses the enterbutton 28 as indicated in FIG. 17.

In the operation of the described embodiment the user is now requestedto input a card identifier to distinguish the particular type of VISA®card which they are about to add to memory. This is done through ascreen 84 which prompts a user to input a plurality of alphabetical ornumerical characters which serve as a designator to identify theparticular card. As shown in FIG. 18 the interface described enables auser to select letters of the alphabet to identify this particular typeof card. For example by pressing and holding the up and down buttons theuser is enabled to scroll through letters of the alphabet until theyfind the first letter of the designator they wish to input. When theletter is displayed, they can enter that as the first letter of thedesignator by pressing the enter button 28. They can then move on to thenext letter of the designator selecting it with the up and down buttons.When a space is desired to be entered the user can leave the blank spacewhich is preferably included as the initial option. In the case ofscreen 84 the designator is BP_VISA which may be a designator for aVISA® card provided by British Petroleum. Once the user has enteredtheir desired designator any leftover spaces may be simply left blank byrepeatedly pushing the enter button 28. After all the spaces are filledthe input of the designator is complete.

Screen 86 shown in FIG. 19 indicates the input of an alternativedesignator. In this screen the designator input is “KEY_BANK_ATM.” Thismay indicate for example that the card which is being input is the debitcard which corresponds to the user's account at Key Bank. It should beunderstood that the particular designator used is purely in thediscretion of the user and the user is free to use highly descriptiveterminology or a secret code which is known only to them to identifytheir various cards. In the exemplary form of the invention sufficientsecurity is provided for accessing the memory on the multifunction cardthat the user is enabled to use descriptive terminology as a designatorif they wish to do so.

Once the designator has been input, the instructions read from thememory on the card or in the terminal causes a screen 88 shown in FIG.20 to be displayed on the display 22. Screen 88 includes a promptmessage to remove the stored value card from engagement with theportable terminal 14. Once the terminal senses that the stored valuecard has been removed by the disengagement of the contacts thereon withthe portable terminal, a screen 90 as shown in FIG. 21 is displayed.Screen 90 includes a prompt for the user to pass their original BP_VISAcard through the portable terminal. As shown in the exemplary form ofthe invention the display further visually instructs the user on how topass the original card through the terminal so that it is properly readby the magnetic stripe reading device. In response to the screen 90 auser preferably passes their original card through the slot 32 in theportable terminal. On sensing the proper reading of the magnetic stripeon the card, screen 92 shown in FIG. 22 is displayed. Screen 92indicates to the user that the stripe has been properly read and thatthey should now reinsert the multifunction card face up.

It should be understood that the stored instructions may includeprovisions for a time out routine. In the event that the user fails toproceed to the next step at any point in the transaction, the time outreturns the terminal to the main menu or to an off condition. Such atime out routine or failure routine may be accompanied by appropriateuser prompts to advise the user why the terminal has proceeded to shutitself off or return to the main menu.

If from screen 92 the user reinserts the multifunction card into theslot 32, the logic flow next moves to display a screen 94 shown in FIG.23. Screen 94 prompts the user as to whether they wish to add theBP_VISA card to the memory of the multifunction card. As shown in FIG.94 the screen includes the default response which is “yes” with an arrowadjacent thereto which indicates to the user that they may change toother than the default response by pressing the down button 26. In thisexample the user wishes to add the card to the memory of themultifunction card, in which case the enter button 28 is pressed whilescreen 94 is displayed. This results in screen 96 shown in FIG. 24 beingdisplayed, which indicates that the function has been carried outsuccessfully. The user may press button 30 once to turn the terminal offor twice to return to the main menu.

The logic associated with deleting information concerning a card fromthe memory of the multifunction card is now demonstrated with referenceto FIGS. 25-31. This process begins with a screen 98. Screen 98corresponds to screen 66 shown in FIG. 6 of the main menu. To choosethis operation the user presses the enter button 28 as schematicallyindicated in FIG. 25. This causes the screen 114 shown in FIG. 26 to bedisplayed.

Screen 114 prompts a user to select which of the cards that are storedin the programmable memory on the card is to be deleted. The cards arereferenced through displayed the designators which have been previouslyinput by the user. Screen 114 displays the first one of these cardswhich has the designator “KEY_BANK_ATM.” The arrows next to thedesignator indicate that the user may select other cards by pressing theup or down button. As shown in FIG. 26 the user presses the down button26 which causes the display to move to a screen 116 shown in FIG. 27.Screen 116 displays the next card designator which is “MBNA_MC” whichthe user has previously input to designate an MBNA MasterCard. Assumingthat the user wishes to select this card as the card to be deleted, theypress the enter button 28 as schematically indicated in FIG. 27.Pressing the enter button from screen 116 causes a confirmation screen118 shown in FIG. 28 to be displayed. This screen prompts the user toconfirm that they want to delete that card. An arrow displayed next tothe default option which is “yes” advises a user that they can change toanother option by pressing the down button.

In screen 118 shown in FIG. 28 if the user presses the enter button 28as schematically indicated therein the terminal next displays screen 120shown in FIG. 29 in which the terminal outputs an indication that thecard has been deleted.

Alternatively if from screen 118 shown in FIG. 28 the user presses thedown button 26 as schematically indicated in FIG. 30, a screen 122 shownin FIG. 21 as displayed. Screen 122 shows that the selected card willnot be deleted and pressing the enter button 28 from this screen willreturn the terminal to the main menu. Alternatively, pressing the upbutton 24 in the screen 122 returns to the screen 118. It can beappreciated that the stored programmed instructions enable a user tocorrect errors that are made in the course of operating the inputdevices on the terminal.

The execution of the steps which enable the exemplary apparatus toconfigure the multifunction card so it may be used as a substitute forany one of a plurality of original magnetic stripe credit or debitcards, is now explained with reference to FIGS. 32-42. The logicexecuted to carry out this function begins with a screen 124. Screen 124is identical to screen 68 of the main menu. As shown schematically withreference to FIG. 32, pressing the enter button 28 from screen 124causes a screen 126 shown in FIG. 33 to be displayed. Screen 126includes a prompt requesting that the user identify the card in thememory whose identifying indicia is to be transferred to the magneticstripe of the multifunction card. The user is enabled to scroll throughthe designators for the cards stored in memory by pushing the buttons 24and 26.

As indicated by a screen 128 in FIG. 34, the user selects the card datastored in correlated relation with the designator “BP_VISA” in thememory of the multifunction card by scrolling with the buttons untilthis designator is displayed and then pressing the enter button 28.

In response to the selection of the particular card in memory theindicia corresponding to the magnetic indicia on the “BP_VISA” cardwhich has been stored in the memory of the multifunction card istransferred to the memory 38 of the terminal. Similarly the instructionswhich the processor will need to execute to complete the steps ofwriting the magnetic indicia onto the multifunction card are transferredtemporarily into the memory of the terminal so that the steps may becompleted with the memory of the multifunction card disengaged from theterminal.

Once the necessary information has been loaded into the memory of theterminal a screen 130 shown in FIG. 35 is displayed. Screen 130 includesa prompt instructing the user to remove the multifunction card fromengagement with the portable terminal. Upon sensing the disengagement ofthe multifunction card the screen 132 shown in FIG. 36 is presented bythe portable terminal. Screen 132 includes a prompt for the user to passthe stored value card through slot 32 in the terminal. The promptpreferably includes instructions on the orientation of the card and themagnetic stripe. This is done so that any indicia that has beenpreviously been recorded on the magnetic stripe of the multifunctioncard is erased.

In response to screen 132 the user preferably passes the multifunctioncard through the portable terminal such that the magnetic stripe passesthrough an area of the slot in connection with an erase head whichclears the magnetic stripe. Upon sensing that the card has been passedthrough the terminal, a screen 134 shown in FIG. 37 is displayed by theportable terminal. The sensing can be done with the spring loaded fingerin the slot or with another suitable stripe or card sensing device inthe slot.

The portable terminal then further operates under control of theprocessor and the instructions stored in its memory 38 to display thescreen 136 shown in FIG. 38. Screen 136 includes a prompt which includesan instruction for the user to now pass the multifunction card throughthe slot 32 in a different orientation so that the magnetic indiciacorresponding to the selected BP_VISA card may be written to themagnetic stripe of the multifunction card. It should be noted that inthe embodiment shown, the orientation of the card for erasing the stripeand for writing indicia to the stripe are different. This is donebecause a different head is used for erasing as opposed to reading andwriting. In alternative embodiments a single head may perform both theerasing and writing functions or alternatively multiple heads may bealigned in the slot so that the card is passed in the same manner tocarry out both the erasing, reading and writing functions.

The exemplary form of the invention includes appropriate sensors andinstructions so that if the multifunction card is inserted wrong, thescreen such as screen 138 shown in FIG. 39 is displayed. This may bedone based on the sensing finger sensing the card but the magnetic headnot sensing the stripe which indicates an improper card orientation, orin other ways. This screen is displayed so that if the user begins toinsert the card improperly they are prompted to make a correction.Removal of the card may return the terminal to the screen 136 or mayabort the instruction sequence such as by displaying the screen 140shown in FIG. 42.

If however the card has been passed through the portable terminalproperly a screen 142 shown in FIG. 40 is presented. This screenindicates that the indicia corresponding to the magnetic indicia on theoriginal BP_VISA card has been written to the magnetic stripe on themultifunction card. From screen 142 the terminal then moves to display ascreen 144 shown in FIG. 41 indicating that the transaction is completeand the user may turn off the portable terminal by pressing the on/offbutton 30.

If for any reason an error has been sensed in carrying out thetransaction, a screen 140 shown in FIG. 42 preferably appears. The usermay then select either the option to retry the transaction to write thematerial to the card by pressing the up arrow, or may quit by pressingthe down arrow which will return the terminal to the main menu.Alternatively in an exemplary embodiment of the invention pressing theon/off button 30 from screen 140 is also a suitable way to end thetransaction.

Assuming that the selected card data has been written to the magneticstripe on the multifunction card 12, the user may now take themultifunction card and present it to any standard transaction terminalwhich accepts that type of magnetic stripe card. For example if a userwishes to charge goods or services to their BP_VISA account, they maypresent that card to a merchant who passes the stripe through a point ofsale terminal, electronic cash register or other appropriate terminal.This will result in the user's BP_VISA account being charged for thosegoods or services. Similarly if a user wishes to get cash out of an ATMand charge it to their BP_VISA account they may present themultifunction card to an ATM. The ATM may be operated in the usualmanner as one would operate it using the original BP_VISA card.

The multifunction card may be configured to include the user's signaturein a space on a face of the card. This would enable a merchant acceptingthe card to compare a user's signature on a transaction receipt to thesignature on the card. Alternatively, or in addition, a reproduction ofthe user's signature may be stored in the memory on the card. The usercould display a reproduction of their signature on the screen of theterminal so that a merchant could verify the signature. Alternatively,user identifying electronic signature data may be transmitted through acommunications device such as modem or infrared transmitter, orotherwise read from the terminal into the merchant's system, so that themerchant may store the electronic signature data from the terminal withthe transaction data.

In alternative methods of operation the merchant may use an electronicsignature capture system for transaction receipts. In such a system themerchant's computer system may include software to compare the signalsgenerated by the user's actual signature on an electronic signature padto the signature data stored on the card. Such comparisons would providean indication where the signature data does not correspond to asufficient degree, which may suggest that the user of the card is notthe authorized user.

After completing a transaction the user may choose to leave the magneticstripe data for the selected card on the stripe. Alternatively the usermay choose to change the magnetic stripe to a different card. Forexample if the multifunction card has embossed data on the frontcorresponding to one particular card, the user may choose to return themagnetic stripe indicia to correspond with the indicia embossed on thefront of the card. Alternatively the user may choose to completely erasethe magnetic stripe data as may be done by returning the multifunctioncard to the terminal and repeating the steps associated with writingcard data to the magnetic stripe up through the point in the steps wherethe magnetic indicia is erased from the magnetic stripe. The user maythen exit the routine by pressing the on/off button leaving the cardwith a blank stripe. In embodiments where no information is embossed onthe front of the multifunction card users may find this advantageous asthe multifunction card is of absolutely no value as a credit or debitcard unless the access code has been appropriately entered.

The exemplary forms of the present invention may also be used toselectively record and display visible indicia such as a bar code. Thesefunctions are graphically represented and the logic flow associatedtherewith explained with reference to FIGS. 43-61.

FIG. 43 shows a screen 146. Screen 146 is identical to screen 70 shownin FIG. 8 of the main menu. To select this function a user presses theenter button 28 from the main menu as schematically indicated in FIG.43. From screen 146 a screen 148 is presented as shown in FIG. 44.Screen 148 prompts a user to enter a bar code ID or designatorcorresponding to a bar code that is to be read from an object. This isdone in a manner similar to the entry of designators for credit or debitcards or entry of the access code. The user scrolls through alphabeticaland numerical characters by pressing the up and down buttons 24 and 26as represented by screens 150 and 152 shown in FIGS. 45 and 46respectively, until a desired character is displayed in a desiredposition. When the desired character is reached, the enter button 28 ispressed at which point the user moves on to the next character.

For purposes of this example it will be assumed that the user is goingto scan a bar code off of a medical benefits identification card whichthe user has chosen to designate “BLU_CROSS ID.” This is represented inFIG. 47 by a screen 154. The user indicates that they have completed thedesignator by pressing the enter button 28 a sufficient number of timesto null any remaining spaces in the available spaces entry forcharacters.

Once the terminal is advised that the entire ID has been entered, thelogic flow operates to display the prompt shown in screen 156 and FIG.48. This prompt instructs a user to scan the bar code off the objectsuch as their Blue Cross® identification card. The process also operatesto initiate operation of the scanner component 50. The user then bringstheir identification card in proximity to the scanning device 34 on thehousing of the portable terminal and the processor operates in responseto the stored instructions to capture the bar code data on the card.When the bar code data has been captured, the screen 158 shown in FIG.49 is displayed. As previously discussed, if the bar code cannot be reador is not read in a sufficient time, the instructions may includeprovisions for returning the terminal to screen 146 or providing ascreen such as screen 160 shown in FIG. 52 in which the user is giventhe option to either quit or retry scanning the bar code.

Assuming that the bar code is properly read as indicated by screen 158,the terminal then displays screen 162 shown in FIG. 50 which prompts auser as to whether they wish to add this bar code to the memory on themultifunction card. As is the case with prior prompts the default valueis “yes”, but the user is enabled to change the default to a “no” bypressing button 26. For purposes of this example it will be assumed thatthe user wishes to add the bar code for their medical identificationcard to the memory which they do by pressing button 28 in response toscreen 162. In response to the user pressing the enter button the screen164 shown in FIG. 51 is displayed. The user can now turn the terminaloff by pressing button 30.

It should be understood that while the type of visual indicia added tothe memory on the multifunction card in the foregoing example is barcode associated with a medical plan, other types of bar code may beadded. For example the multifunction card may be used to store datarepresentative of bar code associated with a driver's license, studentidentification card, employee access card, library card or any othertype of bar code. In addition the system may be configured to read andstore other types of visual indicia which are capable of being read,stored and reproduced.

When a user desires to use the terminal to display one of the bar codesor other indicia stored in memory, they may do so from a screen 166shown in FIG. 53. Screen 166 is identical to screen 74 in the main menu.To proceed with the display of a selected bar code the user presses theenter button 28 as schematically indicated.

In response to the user selecting the display bar code routine from themain menu, the terminal proceeds to display a screen 168 shown in FIG.54. Screen 168 asks the user to identify the bar code that they wish todisplay. The user is enabled to select designators for the various barcodes stored in the memory of the multifunction card. This is done usingthe up and down buttons on the terminal device.

Assuming for purposes of this example that the user wishes to displaytheir medical plan ID, the designators for the various stored bar codeindicia are scrolled through by pressing the buttons until the medicalplan ID designator is displayed, which is represented by a screen 170 inFIG. 55. In response to pressing the enter button 28 the processor isoperative to retrieve the data corresponding to the bar code in thememory and to display a reproduction of the bar code on the terminal.This is represented by a screen 172 in FIG. 56. The displayedreproduction of the bar code may be scanned from the display 22 of theportable terminal using the scanner or similar bar code reading devicewhich is schematically represented by a scanner 174 in FIG. 56. Thus theuser may identify themselves to a medical provider as a participant intheir medical plan and the user may input their identifying informationin the conventional manner using the same scanner that is used forscanning a regular identification card. When the scanning process isfinished, the user can discontinue the display of the bar code bypressing on/off button 30.

The bar codes which have previously been stored in the memory associatedwith the multifunction card may also be selectively erased therefrom.This may be done for example when a user's regular card is replaced suchthat a new bar code or other visual indicia is associated therewith.Alternatively a user may simply wish to discontinue the use of aparticular card. This may happen for example with regard to a librarycard which a user had been using in a city where they previouslyresided. Once the user moves they no longer use that library. Likewise auser may delete their driver's license data when they move to anotherstate and obtain a new license.

The deletion of a bar code from the memory is represented by the logicflow associated with FIGS. 57-61. The screen 176 corresponds with thescreen 72 in the main menu, and includes a prompt which enables a userto select the logic which operates to delete a bar code from the memory.The user selects this transaction by pressing the enter button 28. Ascreen 178 is then displayed which asks a user to identify the bar codethey wish to delete from the memory. The user selects the bar code bypressing the up and down buttons 24 and 26. As shown in FIG. 59 the userselects a card which has the associated designator “CLE_LIB_CARD” storedin association therewith in the memory of the multifunction card. Thisis represented by a screen 180. Pressing the enter button 30 with thebar code designator displayed causes a screen 182 shown in FIG. 60 to bedisplayed. Screen 182 queries the user as to whether they in fact wishto delete that particular bar code. The user is enabled to change fromthe default setting by pressing the down button. As schematicallyrepresented in FIG. 60, assuming the user wishes to delete thatparticular bar code from memory they press the enter button 28. Thiscauses a screen 184 shown in FIG. 61 to be displayed on the portableterminal. This screen includes the prompt message to indicate that thebar code has been deleted. The user may then exit the routine bypressing the on/off button 30.

It should be understood that while the described embodiment operates tostore and to reproduce visible indicia corresponding to bar code, otherembodiments of the invention may produce other forms of indicia. Thismay include visual indicia that is intended to be read by machines foridentification purposes as well as indicia intended to be read by thehuman eye. Any form of indicia which can be read, stored in the memoryof the multifunction card and/or displayed on the portable terminal isintended to be encompassed by the present invention. As previouslydiscussed, a user's signature is a further example of visual indiciathat may be stored and selectively reproduced. Such indicia may also betransmitted by the terminal to a remote system and used to verify theauthenticity of a transaction or for other purposes.

The exemplary form of the present invention also operates as a storedvalue card system and transaction apparatus which operates to storevalue equivalent to a cash value in the memory of the multifunctioncard, as well as to transfer value between the card and variousaccounts. The programmable memory 18 on the multifunction card 12 mayinclude therein any one of a number of different public or proprietaryschemes for storing information representative of cash value. This valuestorage method may be compatible with other terminals which may read thememory and transfer data representative of value to or from the memory,while also operating to transfer funds between accounts of the user andproviders of goods, services or cash.

It should be understood that the multifunction card of exemplaryembodiments may store value in one or several forms of proprietaryschemes. For example the card may have cash value stored and associatedwith a Mondex® scheme. It may have a different cash value stored andassociated with a VISAS CASH scheme. The card may also store datarepresentative of cash values in any one of several other schemes.Although the present invention will be described with respect to a cardin which value representative of cash is stored thereon with respect toa single scheme, it should be understood that multiple schemes may beused. Further in the following description in which amounts may betransferred between accounts of the user, it is within the scope of theinvention to transfer amounts between one stored value proprietaryscheme stored in the programmable memory of the card to anotherproprietary scheme stored within the card. Such transfers may be made ina manner similar to transfers between accounts which are carried out bythe terminal as described hereafter, although it should be understoodthat in such situations additional steps are carried out by theprocessor in the portable terminal so as to decrement and increment thevarious stored value amounts stored in the memory of the card.

To facilitate accounting for such transactions it will also be desirablefor the portable terminal to connect to various remote locations whichprovide gateways to electronic transaction systems and networks whichassure that funds are properly accounted for. For example communicationwill be carried out with various remote systems to assure thatindications are provided that a user has transferred cash value on theircard from one stored value card scheme to another.

One of the common functions that a user will execute in connection withthe exemplary apparatus of the invention is to check the stored valuerepresentative of cash that is stored on the programmable memory of themultifunction card. This is represented by the logic flow described withreference to FIGS. 62 and 63. FIG. 62 shows a screen 186. Screen 186corresponds to screen 76 of the main menu. Screen 186 prompts a user asto whether they wish to check the stored value balance on theirmultifunction card. To do so the user presses the enter button 28. Inresponse to the user selecting this item from the main menu the memoryof the card is read and processor 36 causes a screen 188 shown in FIG.63 to be displayed on the portable terminal. This screen indicates tothe user the current cash value stored on the card. If the multifunctioncard includes stored value schemes for several different programs,intermediate screens may be provided to prompt the user to select one ofthe several stored value schemes which are employed on the card. Asshown in FIG. 63 when a user has finished displaying the stored valueamount they may exit by pressing the on/off button 30.

The transfer of funds to the memory of the stored value card isrepresented by FIGS. 64-74. FIG. 64 shows a screen 190. Screen 190corresponds to screen 80 in FIG. 13 of the main menu. A user selects thetransaction which includes a transfer of value to their stored valuecard (which is the multifunction card) by pressing the enter button 28when screen 190 is displayed.

To transfer value representative of cash value onto the memory of themultifunction card, a source of the money to be transferred isidentified. This is done by the processor operating in response to theinstructions stored on the card to display a screen 192 shown in FIG.65. Screen 192 prompts a user to identify the source of the money to beadded into the memory of the card. The user is enabled to select thesource by pressing the up and down buttons which causes the varioussources of available funds to be selected. Such sources may includemoney stored in stored value schemes on the memory of the card itself.In the case of screen 192 if the user indicates that they want thesource of funds to be their BP_VISA card, this is indicated by pressingthe enter button 28 when this card designator is displayed.

After the source of the funds is designated, a screen 194 shown in FIG.66 is displayed. This screen prompts the user to enter the amount ofmoney to be added to the card. This is done by the user entering anumerical amount in a manner similar to the way that access codes anddesignators have been previously entered. However in the exemplary formof the invention only numerals may be entered in this step. The userenters the numerical values by scrolling to the particular numericalvalue desired and then hitting the enter button 28. This causes theprogram logic to move to the next value. After all the value charactershave been entered as represented by screen 196 in FIG. 67 the user isprompted through a screen 198 shown in FIG. 68 as to whether they wantto add the amount input to their stored value card. As shown in screen198 the default value is “yes” however the user may change this to “no”by pressing the down button. For purposes of this example it will beassumed that the user wishes to add that amount and so indicates bypressing the enter button 28.

In response to the user indicating that they wish to add this amount tothe data representative of value in the memory of the multifunctioncard, the processor operates in response to instructions stored on thecard memory to contact the remote location appropriate to obtain fundsfrom the user's BP_VISA account, and to indicate that the amount hasbeen transferred onto the user's stored value card. In one form of theinvention this is accomplished by the processor causing thecommunications component 52 to dial up the remote location. This is doneusing the address appropriate for making the connection which ispreferably stored in memory on the card. In this case the address may bea telephone number. In alternative forms of the invention the addresswhich the communications component uses to contact the appropriatelocation may be a node or TCP/IP address in a computer system such as aprivate intranet or public system such as the internet. The particularapproach depends on the nature of the system in which the portableterminal 14 is intended to operate.

The portable terminal exchanges messages with the remote location andthe computer system therein, which operates to charge the user's accountfor the funds which are to be transferred as cash value onto the storedvalue card. Alternatively the terminal may communicate to a number oflocations to indicate both the charge to the user's account as well asto track accounting entries, so that it is recorded that the user nowhas such funds available in their particular stored value scheme.Various transaction messages are transferred between one or more remotelocations and the portable terminal so as to accomplish the transfer offunds. These messages may be in an ISO 8583 format or appropriatevariants thereof, or other proprietary message formats of suitabletypes, so as to accomplish the transfer of funds and a record thereof.In one exemplary embodiment, while the remote terminal is connecting tothe address a screen 200 shown in FIG. 69 is presented on the display ofthe remote terminal. As the remote terminal exchanges messages with theremote locations to transfer the funds after the connection has beenmade, the display of the remote terminal may present the screen 202shown in FIG. 70 to indicate that the transaction is going forward.

If the transaction is successfully completed the remote terminaldisplays a screen 204 shown in FIG. 71 to indicate a transaction hasbeen approved. The logic next moves to cause a screen 206 to bedisplayed. Screen 206 which is shown in FIG. 72 is operative to show theuser the new stored value balance stored on the multifunction card.

If for some reason the terminal is unable to make connections to theremote location, either because it is unable to make a connection orbecause of some other malfunction, a screen 208 shown in FIG. 73 may bedisplayed. This screen prompts a user to select whether to retry thetransaction or to quit. Similarly the user may decide to turn theterminal off by pressing the on/off button 30. Alternatively the user'srequest to transfer the funds may be denied by the remote location, suchas because it would put the user over their credit limit. In suchcircumstances the instructions stored in the multifunction card arereceived from the remote location and causes screen 210 shown in FIG. 74to be presented on the terminal. This screen shows the user that thetransaction was denied and that their card balance remains at the prioramount. Of course the user is free to again attempt the transactionusing a different source of funds, or alternatively to transfer fundsfrom a different stored value scheme stored on the memory of the card.

The exemplary form of the invention also enables transferring the valuefrom the stored value card to one of the user's accounts. This mayinclude for example a checking or Savings account which the usermaintains with a financial institution. Alternatively this may includetransferring value from one stored value scheme stored on the card toanother stored value scheme stored on the card.

The transfer of value from the stored value card is commenced in anexemplary embodiment of the invention from a screen 212 shown in FIG.75. Screen 212 corresponds to screen 78 in the main menu. Pressing theenter button from this screen causes the processor to execute variousinstructions on the multifunction card associated with this transaction.

In executing the transfer from the card the user is next promptedthrough a screen 214 shown in FIG. 76 to identify a destination of thefunds. This is done by user using the up and down buttons to select oneof the available destinations. In this case the user has selected theaccount associated with the designator “KEY_BANK_ATM.” The selection ismade by pressing the enter button 28.

As shown in FIG. 77 the user must next enter an amount to be transferredfrom the memory of the stored value card into the designated account.The user must enter an amount which is prompted through a screen 216.The entry of an amount is accomplished in the manner previouslydescribed by using the up and down buttons and the enter button. In thecase of this example the user enters an amount to transfer of $200 asindicated by screen 218 in FIG. 78.

In response to the user entering the transfer amount the terminal nextoperates to display a screen 220 shown in FIG. 79 in which the user isasked to confirm that they wish to make the transfer to the particularaccount. In the situations where the user is obtaining funds fromfinancial institutions or other sources where they may have multipleaccounts, the user may be prompted through additional screens to selectparticular accounts that may be held at the institutions which aresources of funds. This is demonstrated in FIGS. 80 and 81. For examplein screen 222 the user is first prompted to state whether they wish totransfer funds to savings. By pressing the down button the user maycause screen 224 to be displayed which then asks them if they prefer totransfer the funds into checking. For purposes of this example it willbe assumed that the user wishes to transfer the funds to checking, whichthey select by pressing button 28 as shown in FIG. 81.

When the user is transferring funds to or from a debit card account, thePIN number uniquely associated with the user's account is required to beinput to gain access. The nature of the account which the user hasidentified as the destination or source of funds, is generallyindicative that a PIN number is required for access thereto. Theinstructions stored in memory on the card or the memory of the terminalmay cause screens associated with the entry of a PIN number and/or theselection of various accounts to be displayed when particular accountsare selected.

In the present example because a bank account which requires the entryof a PIN number is being used as the destination of the funds, thestored instructions cause a screen 226 shown in FIG. 82 to be displayed.Screen 226 prompts the user to input a PIN number. The user inputs theirPIN number either by alphabetic or numerical characters in the mannerpreviously described for entry of designators and numerical values intothe remote terminal. Once the user has completed the input of their PINnumber as indicated by a screen 228 in FIG. 83, they are presented witha prompt that asks them to confirm the PIN number input. Confirming theinput in response to this prompt is done by pressing the enter button28. In embodiments where the biometrics reader is used, biometric datamay be used in addition to or in lieu of a PIN to identify the user to aremote system. Alternatively, a user's PIN number may be stored on thecard. If the user has first identified themselves with an access code orbiometric data to operate the terminal with the card, the level ofsecurity may be considered already sufficient that the PIN may berecalled from memory and forwarded by the terminal. Alternatively, theuser may be required to input biometric data and in response to theproper biometric input the PIN is recovered from the card memory andoutput by the terminal.

After the data required to conduct a transaction has been input, theuser is questioned concerning whether they wish for the transaction toproceed. As shown in FIG. 84 a screen 230 is presented which prompts theuser to confirm that they wish the transaction to go forward.Confirmation is presented by pressing the enter button. In responsethereto the remote terminal contacts the appropriate computer address totransfer the funds to the account designated. While this is being done,the screens 232 and 235 shown in FIGS. 85 and 86 are displayed. Aspreviously discussed, contact may be via a phone system or by computernetwork to the appropriate address.

If the transaction is successfully completed the instructions cause thescreen 236 shown in FIG. 87 to be displayed. In the exemplary form ofthe invention the instructions then cause the display of the screen 237which shows the user the amount of value remaining on the card.

While various methods of communicating between the remote terminal andthe remote locations may be used, in one exemplary embodiment of theinvention it is desirable for the communications device to include awireless modem. The wireless modem enables communication over a cellulartelephone network. Appropriate encryption is provided to enhancesecurity. This enables a user to transfer funds between themultifunction card and their various accounts from any convenientlocation where the user happens to be. This may be particularlyadvantageous when a user finds that they are in need of cash and do nothave an automated teller machine or a telephone line readily available.The user is enabled to load cash value onto the multifunction card sothey can complete their transactions.

In addition while the exemplary form of the invention has been describedas being used to make transactions from value stored on the card tovarious accounts of the user, forms of the invention may also be used totransfer funds from the stored value card of one user to the storedvalue card of another user. This enables users to carry out theequivalent of cash transactions using stored value cards. In suchcircumstances the terminal would contact the appropriate remotelocations for recording the transfers of funds for accounting purposes,if necessary. Alternatively if sufficient security is provided, theelectronic information corresponding to cash value may be deemedsufficiently self-authenticating so that no independent accounting ofthe cash value need be kept in an external system.

Alternative embodiments can permit cards to be used in various ways. Forexample, an authorized user can create duplicate credit or debit cards.These additional cards can be provided to trusted friends or familymembers on a temporary basis. This will enable such individuals toaccess funds of the user when needed. This may be appropriate, forexample, when family members are traveling and are separated from theprimary card user.

Also, as previously discussed, a user is able to continue to use a largenumber of credit cards, debit cards, and other various forms of cardsand objects bearing indicia, without having to physically carry thosecards on their person. As a result, the user is enabled to keep suchcards at home or another secure location where they are less likely tobe lost or stolen.

Furthermore, an exemplary form of the invention is highly flexible inconfiguration and can accommodate a number of different types oftransactions depending on the instructions stored in the memory of themultifunction card and/or the portable terminal. As a result, theapparatus and method of an exemplary form of the present invention ishighly and readily adaptable to the carrying out of different oradditional transaction types, whether financial or otherwise.

Furthermore, a financial transaction may require plural types ofinformation from a customer. Such required transaction data may includethe customer's financial account information and the customer'ssignature. As previously discussed, a user's signature can be stored ina programmable memory for later use in transactions. The storedsignature can be used as a legally binding electronic signature. Thestored electronic signature can comprise data representative of ahandwritten signature. For example, the electronic signature can be areproduction of a signature, such as a scanned handwritten signature.Alternatively, the signature may be data which a user has agreed willhave the legal effect as a written signature, or data which identifiesthe user. In an exemplary form of the invention, user account data canalso be stored along with the signature data. That is, account data andsignature data (and other data) can be stored in the programmable memoryof a user's portable hand-held device (e.g., multifunction card,terminal, phone). Hand-held devices have been previously discussed.

The stored account data can comprise checking account data. In anexemplary form of the invention, a merchant transaction system isoperative to receive account data stored in a customer's portablehand-held device. Data representative of the user's signature and/or theuser's financial account information can be transmitted from the user's(customer's) portable hand-held device to the merchant's transactionsystem. Wireless communication can be used to transmit/receive databetween the user's hand-held device (or the user's terminal) and thetransaction system. For example, data may be transmitted/received via acommunications device (e.g., modem, infrared transmitter, RFID, bluetooth device, or similar technology). In an exemplary embodiment therange of communication between the user's hand-held device and thetransaction system can be limited to a specific distance, such as a fewinches to a few feet. The use of a limited wireless communication rangecan avoid interference and permit communication only with the otherdevice. The communication may also be encrypted to ensureconfidentiality of data. The merchant system can store the receivedfinancial account data and signature data.

The account data stored in the hand-held device can be used ingenerating an electronic check. A merchant transaction system includesan electronic check template in storage in a computer (which may be alocal computer or a network host computer in operative connection withthe local computer). Alternatively, the merchant system can be operativeto communicate with a third party which has the electronic checktemplate and can generate electronic checks (and/or carry out thetransaction) for the merchant. The check template includes softwareoperative to receive customer account data to create an electroniccheck. The customer account data can include the necessary informationrequired by a merchant to accept a check as payment for a purchase. Forexample, the account data may include checking account number (and/orbank routing number), check number, name, address, phone number, bankname, or combinations thereof.

The electronic check-generating template can also have the check madepayable to the merchant. The template can be programmed to set the payeeas the merchant by default but have the ability to allow the merchant tochange the payee. The template can also receive purchase data from themerchant computer. This enables the template to automatically insert theamount of a purchase into the electronically generated check. That is,the purchase amount data can be used as the check amount. The checktemplate can also insert the current date (and other information, e.g.,time, store identification number, etc.) into the generated check.

FIG. 96 shows an electronic check-generating arrangement. A customerowns or has access to a portable hand-held device, e.g., a card 250,terminal 252, or phone 254. The hand-held devices include a programmablememory 256. A hand-held device may also include other features, such asa display screen 258, 260, function buttons or keys 262, and/or a camera264. The phone 254 may comprise a video cell phone. The customer'saccount data and/or signature 266 can be remotely wirelessly transmittedor read from the hand-held device (e.g., phone 254) to a merchant'sterminal 270, e.g., a checkout terminal or computer. As previouslydiscussed, the merchant terminal 270 may be connected to a network. Themerchant terminal 270 is in operative connection with an electroniccheck generating template 274.

As shown in FIG. 97, the base electronic check template 274 can includea starting check format 276 having the sections or fields 278 empty. Thetemplate software is able to fill these check fields 278 with the datanecessary to generate a legal financial check. The check fields to befilled may include the check value, the customer bank account number,payee, date, and the signature.

As previously discussed, a reproduction of the user's signature may bestored in the memory of a user's portable hand-held device (e.g., cardor phone). The user can display a reproduction of their signature on adisplay screen of the user's hand-held device (or terminal) so that themerchant can verify the signature. Verification may include visuallycomparing the electronic signature to a handwritten signature already ona user card or to a sample of the user's signature freshly handwrittenin view of the merchant.

Alternatively, with the merchant system having the customer's signaturedata, the merchant can display a reproduction of the signature on themerchant's own display screen for use in signature verification. Ofcourse, if the signatures lack acceptable correspondence in theverification process, then the merchant can end the transaction. Inother arrangements, signature comparison software may be used todetermine the validity of the customer's signature. Alternatively, inother embodiments other approaches to signature verification, such asways of validating electronic signatures, may be used.

After the merchant system obtains the account data and signature fromthe user, then the electronic check (with user account data andsignature) can be completed. The merchant system can store the receivedfinancial account data and signature data along with the transactiondata (e.g., purchase amount). The check-generating template software inthe merchant's system is able use the obtained electronic signature asthe signature in generating the electronic check. That is, theelectronic check template can insert the user's electronic signature orother corresponding data into the electronic check. The merchant systemcan display an image of the completed check on a display screen forviewing by the customer and the merchant for final approval.

The electronic check template can also insert a check number into thegenerated check. The check number can be received from the customer. Theprogrammable memory of the customer's hand-held device can incrementcheck numbers. For example, the last check number can be stored in thememory. The value of one can be added to the stored check number priorto transmission of the check number to the merchant system.Alternatively, the last check number can be incremented to create thenext check number prior to storage of the check number in theprogrammable memory. This next check number can then be stored with theother checking account data. The next check number (along with the otheraccount data) can then be received by the merchant system. Thus use ofcheck numbering enables a customer to more efficiently maintain a recordof the checks drawn from their checking account.

FIG. 98 shows a completed electronic check 280 generated by the merchantsystem. The check 280 has entries in the check fields. Respectiveentries include the written check value 282, the numeric check value283, the customer checking account/routing number 284, the merchant aspayee 286, the date 288, and the customer's signature 290. The checkgenerating software is also operative to insert other entries, such ascustomer address 292, bank name and address 294, check number 296, andmerchant transaction number 298. The completed check is acceptable bythe merchant as payment for a transaction.

The merchant system can transmit the completed electronic check to abank or electronic clearing house for account settlement. The electroniccheck can be transmitted in electronic format. In an exemplaryarrangement, the check is transmitted by the merchant terminal, thecheck is processed by the check clearing house, and the canceled (i.e.,cleared) check is returned to the merchant terminal, all in a short timeperiod. A canceled electronic check can contain a (unique) markingindicative of its cancellation. Of course this approach is exemplary andin other embodiments other approaches may be used.

The merchant system can have a printer device capable of printing a copyof the check (which may be canceled) for the customer. Merchants canalso add their own indicia to a printed check, with the indica (e.g., astamped marking) acknowledging receipt of customer payment.

Alternatively, the customer can receive (from the merchant terminal) andstore an image of the check in the hand-held device (e.g., phone) andview or print it later. There are many processes in which the hand-helddevice may receive the check image data. The check image may be receivedinto the hand-held device via the user's terminal or via other knowntransmission methods. Wireless data transmission can be carried out. Forexample, blue tooth technology can be implemented.

The check image can also be received into a user's hand-held device viaa camera built into the hand-held device (e.g., phone or videophone).That is, an image of the check can be captured by the camera. The checkimage can be stored in memory of the hand-held device. The storage of acanceled check in the hand-held device can serve as receipt of payment.

A user's portable hand-held device can also be used in a self-servicecheckout transaction. The portable hand-held device enables self-servicecheckout in retail establishments not normally associated therewith. Aretail store can have purchasable items (e.g., clothing) with anidentification (e.g., bar code, RFID tag) and an anti-theft tagassociated therewith. The anti-theft device needs to be neutralizedbefore the item can properly leave the store, otherwise an alarm will betripped (via sensors adjacent store exits). The anti-theft tag may be ofthe type that can be sensed and neutralized at a distance (e.g., usingmagnetic sensed tag, RF backscatter tag, RFID tag, or other tag typesthat can be “neutralized” on contact or from a short distance). The barcode (or similar identification indicia) may be attached to the item.Alternatively, a single bar code may correspond to a plurality of likeitems. For example, the bar code may be located on a common supportdevice (e.g., shelf) for a plurality of the items.

As shown together in FIG. 99 and FIG. 100, an exemplary embodiment aself-service checkout for an item purchase can be accomplished using thecustomer's portable hand-held device 300 (e.g., phone). The useroperates the phone to dial a phone number to establish communication(step 400) with a transaction payment system associated with aparticular retail store (or the particular retail item). The phonenumber can be the phone number assigned to that particular store whichhas the item that the customer desires to purchase. The store's phonenumber and instructions can be readily displayed throughout the storefor the customer's benefit. The transaction payment system may belocated in the store and/or on a network linked with a plurality ofother stores so they can share a common network host. That is, at leastpart of the transaction system (which can include a host with one ormore computers) may be remotely located from the store. The transactionsystem can match the phone number that the customer called to theparticular retail facility assigned to that phone number. Therefore, thetransaction system is able to know the exact merchandise establishmentat which the customer is attempting to purchase an item. The transactionsystem is able to accept purchase payment and cause the item'santi-theft tag to be neutralized or disabled or inactive. Thetransaction system can also handle billing for the purchase.

The customer has a camera 302 which can communicate with the phone 300,e.g., the camera may be part of the phone (e.g., videophone). After thecustomer's phone has established communication (step 400) with thestore's network host 310, the purchaser points the phone camera at thebar code 320 corresponding to the item. An image of the bar code 320 (ordata representative of the image) is captured and sent (step 402) to thetransaction system (e.g., host) 310. The transaction system can resolvethe bar code data and process the data to determine the price of theitem corresponding to the bar code (step 404). For example, thetransaction system may convert the digital image of the bar code tonumerical data, and then make a comparison of this numerical data toprice data to determine the item's price. Data in a data store 312 canbe utilized to make the corresponding data comparison. This priceinformation can be transmitted back for display (or by audible quote) onthe purchaser's phone (step 406). The customer can verify and agree(step 408) to the price as being correct to continue the transaction.Alternatively, the price information may be displayed on apurchaser-viewable display screen in the store. If the purchaserdisagrees with the determined price (or decides not to continue thepurchase) then the customer has the capability of terminating thetransaction.

In other embodiments, if a customer ends a transaction process thetransaction system can call back the customer via the phone and offer alower or discounted price for the item. The lower price may becalculated by using statistical analysis based on a variety of customerfactors, such as demographics, types of accounts, account balances,purchase history, credit history, etc. The discounted price may also belinked to other factors, such as the customer being required to open anew line of credit. Information about the customer may be obtainable viathe customer's phone number, or the customer may be requested to providemore information to determine if a discounted price applies to thatcustomer. In other embodiments, a loyal (repeat) customer may also bepresented price discounts.

Continuing with the purchase, the transaction payment system requeststhe buyer to transmit their account billing data. As previouslydiscussed, a customer account may be associated with MasterCard®, VISA®,American Express®, Novus®, Discovery®, or other common accounts, such aschecking, savings, mutual fund, and money market accounts. The accountdata is stored in memory in the user's hand-held device. The storedaccount data (and electronic signature if necessary) may be transmittedin a manner previously discussed, e.g., the user's phone (or otherhand-held device) transmits the user's account data.

The account data may be transmitted (step 410) wirelessly from thecustomer's hand-held device to an in-store merchant terminal 330. Thetransaction system can include the merchant's terminal. The transactionmay be handled locally via the merchant's in-store terminal, which cancomprise a computer, communication devices, and communicate with thehost. Alternatively, the merchant's terminal can pass the receivedaccount data (and signature if necessary) to another (network host)computer located remotely from the store. The merchant's terminal canhave access to the identification of the store in which the terminal islocated, and access to identification(s) of the store's neutralizer(s).The identification data may be stored locally in terminal memory. Themerchant's network terminal can transmit the stored (store andneutralizer) ID data to the network host. This ID data may be sent alongwith the customer's account data from the merchant's terminal to thehost.

In other embodiments the account data may be transmitted from the phonedirectly (e.g., via a phone network) to the remote host computer,without use of the merchant's terminal. For example, the account data(and a PIN if necessary) may be transmitted by entering data via thephone keys. Thus, a transaction system can be located only locally(e.g., as the in-store terminal), or partially located both locally andremotely (e.g., as a combination of the in-store terminal and remotehost), or completely located remotely.

The transaction system can communicate with other finance systems 314 todetermine whether the user-provided account data is acceptable in payingfor an item. It should be understood that it is within the scope of theinvention for other data or information (e.g., store location/ID, morecustomer identification, yes/no prompts) to be communicated between thecustomer's phone and the transaction system in order to carry out thepurchase transaction. Upon the customer's account data being approvedfor the transaction, the customer's account 316 can be charged the costof the item (step 412).

After payment for the purchase has been approved by the transactionpayment system, the security tag can be neutralized (step 414). The userplaces the purchased item adjacent to an in-store tag neutralizer device(if not already adjacent thereto). The neutralizer device may be on anitem shelf, or at a self-service checkout area of the store, or part ofan in-store merchant transaction system. The transaction system cancommunicate with the tag neutralizing device. The transaction system cancause the neutralizing device to neutralize the security tagcorresponding to the particular purchased item.

In other embodiments the transaction system may communicate with the tagneutralizer via the customer's phone. For example, the transactionsystem can send a code to the customer's phone. The code may comprise aunique audible frequency tone that is recognizable by the tagneutralizer as an instruction to cause neutralization of a particularitem's tag. The code may be stored in the phone and later played whenthe customer is ready to exit the store, or the customer may beinstructed to place the phone adjacent the neutralizer prior to sendingthe tone.

In the exemplary embodiment the anti-theft tag cannot be neutralizeduntil after the user's account has been charged for the item. However,the tag may be neutralized simultaneously with the user's accountgetting billed for the item. Once the item has been neutralized, theuser can carry the purchased item out of the store without the itemtripping the alarm. The arrangement enables a person to check out itemsat a store shelf, at a self-service check out area, or anyplace a devicefor neutralizing the anti-theft tag can be located.

As previously discussed, the transaction system can communicate with thetag neutralizing device. In other arrangements there can be feedbackbetween the neutralizer device and the transaction system. Thetransaction system can use the feedback to verify usage of theneutralizer device (and authenticity of the transaction). Thetransaction system can also use the feedback to ensure that the customeris using the correct neutralizing device.

In an exemplary feedback arrangement, the neutralizer has an identifier(e.g., number, symbol, marking, etc.) which the customer's phone cameracan capture and send to the transaction payment system. The neutralizermay have a permanently assigned number as an identifier. Alternatively,the neutralizer may have a changeable identifier. For example, theneutralizer can have an output device that can display the latestidentifier sent from the transaction system (e.g., host). The displayedidentifier may comprise a transaction symbol or number (e.g., randomnumber, date, time, or any combination thereof).

The transaction system has the neutralizer's identifier stored inmemory. If the image of the identifier received from the phone cameradoes not match or correspond to an identifier currently stored in thetransaction system's memory for that particular neutralizer, then thetransaction system does not recognize the neutralizer (or thetransaction) as valid. Hence, the transaction system does not attempt toneutralize the tag. The purchase transaction is terminated andnullified. The feedback arrangement reduces the risk of the system beingtricked, and ensures that the customer is at the proper neutralizer.

In other arrangements the transaction process can be carried out withthe item's identifier being read with a device other than a phonecamera. For example, the customer's hand-held device (e.g., phone) mayinclude a bar code reader. Thus, a bar code may be read with the barcode reader, instead of via a camera. The bar code can be read as anumber, and the number transmitted as data (instead of an image) to thetransaction system. Alternatively, the phone may have a processor andsoftware that can convert an image to data. Thus, the phone cantransform a captured bar code image into data (e.g., a number) prior totransmitting the data (e.g., number) to the transaction system.Likewise, if an item's identifier comprises an RFID tag, then thecustomer's hand-held device (e.g., phone) may include an RFID tagreader. Again, the customer's hand-held device (e.g., phone) cantransmit an item's identifier as a number instead of as an image. Itshould be understood that other communication arrangements between thehand-held device and the transaction payment system are within the scopeof the invention. For example, one-way or two-way Internet communicationbetween the hand-held device and the transaction system may be used. Thehand-held device may transmit an item's identifier information to thetransaction payment system via the Internet. The hand-held device canhave wireless link with the Internet. Thus, the hand-held device cantransmit data (image and/or numerical data) to the Internet address ofthe transaction system.

In another exemplary embodiment the item to be purchased includes atleast one RFID tag as an anti-theft tag. The neutralizer can be operatedto change the programming of the item's RFID tag. For example, the RFIDtag can be changed to a unique number (e.g., transaction number) forthat shopping visit. The unique number can be recognized as acceptableby the security system. If any other RFID value other than the uniquenumber is sensed as the item goes by the store's exit sensor, then thealarm sounds.

In other embodiments the anti-theft tag neutralizing (or reprogrammingof an RFID tag) can be accomplished through the user's portablehand-held device (e.g., phone). The phone is placed adjacent to the itemhaving the tag. The transaction system sends a specific signal or codethrough the phone which is receivable by the anti-theft tag to causeneutralization (or reprogramming) thereof.

As previously discussed, the transaction system can send the chargetransaction. In other arrangements an in-store computer can be used tosend the charge transaction, and the store computer can also be used toconfirm that the store received payment for the item. If the phone isdialed into the store computer for providing pictures and account data,then the store computer can route the transaction to the bank.Alternatively, a store computer can accrue what is being bought andtotal the payment owed. When the user is ready to leave the store theydisconnect their call with the store computer. The store computer hasthe bank computer call back the user's phone. The bank, such as througha person or through an automated system such as an interactive voiceresponse system, advises the user that they will owe so much to thestore. The user can authorize the purchase agreement with the bank viainputs to the phone, such as spoken inputs and/or the pressing of phonekeys. Once the store is notified that authorization for payment hasoccurred, then the store can let the item (or items) out of the storewithout the alarm sounding. For example, the store can let an itemhaving an (RFID) number corresponding to the bar code pass through thesecurity system without requiring tag neutralization or modification.

A further exemplary operation of purchasing a merchant item via aself-service checkout using a customer's phone 300 can also be describedwith regard to FIG. 99. The customer uses their phone to call thestore's (toll free) phone number. As previously discussed, the phonenumber may be displayed throughout the store. The phone number may beassigned to that particular store or it may be a phone number shared byseveral stores. Nevertheless, the call is answered by the transactionsystem host 310, and communication is established between the customer'sphone and the host. The customer is instructed to transmit an image ofthe item's identifier (e.g., bar code 320). The identifier image iscaptured by the phone's camera 302 and transmitted via the phone to thenetwork host. The host 310 obtains a price corresponding to the receivedidentifier. As previously discussed, the price assigned to the item'sidentifier may be determined by the host computer or it may be providedfrom a secondary data source 312. Nevertheless, a price is matched withthe item via the item's identifier (e.g., bar code). The price of theitem is transmitted from the host (or secondary source) back to thecustomer's phone and displayed thereon. The customer then must agree tothe displayed price to continue the purchase, else the transaction isterminated by the host. A termination may include notifying the customerof such act. It should also be understood that the customer may alsoterminate the transaction at any time prior to payment. Agreement can beacknowledged via the pressing of a particular phone button(s), providingvoice input(s), or both depending on the particular system.

Following agreement, the customer is requested by the host to transmitan image of an identification (ID) 332 of the in-storeterminal/neutralizer 330 at which the customer wants to make thepayment. The ID image is captured by the phone camera and transmitted tohost. The host must recognize the ID as valid to continue the checkout,else the purchase transaction is terminated by the host. After IDvalidation, the host places transaction data (e.g., description of item,price of item, etc.) that corresponds to the customer's purchase in thepayment queue of the particular terminal/neutralizer corresponding tothe ID. The customer is notified (e.g., by the host and/or theterminal/neutralizer) that the terminal/neutralizer is ready to acceptpayment for their purchase. The terminal/neutralizer is able to displaythe transactions in the payment queue. The payment queue contains theorder in which the transactions are to be paid. The payment queue may bea first-in first-out type of queue. For example, the transaction in thequeue may be ordered based on time. Only one transaction can be paid forat a time. That is, the terminal/neutralizer views only one transactionas being “active” for payment. Any account data received by theterminal/neutralizer will be applied toward the currently activetransaction. The payment queue can be adjusted by the customer (ifnecessary) to ensure that their transaction is displayed as the activetransaction.

The customer then transmits account data from their phone 300 to theterminal/neutralizer 330. The terminal/neutralizer 330 transmits thisreceived account data to the host 310. The host seeks approval of theaccount data as being acceptable for the transaction payment. Theprocess of approval may include other financial sources 314, as is wellknown. If the transaction is denied payment approval, then the hostterminates the transaction.

If the customer's account data is approved for payment, then thecustomer's account 316 is correlated with payment for the item(s) in thepurchase. After the host is notified of payment, then the host instructsthe particular terminal/neutralizer 330 to function to neutralize theitem's anti-theft tag. This act may range from simply turning on theneutralizer to having the neutralizer only neutralize a specific tag.The operation of security tag neutralizers is well known and need not bediscussed further. The customer can next place (e.g., locate, wave,scan) the item adjacent to the terminal/neutralizer (if not alreadyplaced) and the item's tag is neutralized. The customer can then exitthe store with the purchased item, without the item tripping anysecurity alarms.

The portable hand-held device (e.g., phone) also enables a user thereofto obtain cash in a manner similar to making an item purchase. A user ofthe portable hand-held device can obtain cash from an ATM located in aretail establishment (e.g., merchant store, restaurant, sportingfacility). For example, an in-store ATM can be on the store's computernetwork. The ATM can be a recycler type of ATM that can both receivecurrency and dispense received currency. A recycler ATM enables theretail establishment to efficiently make use of excess cash.

An exemplary operation of purchasing cash with a hand-held device willnow be described with respect to FIG. 101 and FIG. 102. Communication isestablished between the customer's phone 600 and the store network 610(step 500). The customer requests a cash withdrawal (step 502). Theamount of cash requested may be included in the initial request, or theamount may be transmitted later. The customer has to transmit thenecessary information in order to have the cash request granted. Therequired information may include customer account data, customersignature, account PIN, identity of the ATM, and/or amount of requestedcash.

An ATM 620 has an identifier 622, such as a machine ID number or a barcode ID, visibly located thereon. Likewise, the ATM's display screen mayhave an identifier (e.g., random number, symbols) displayed thereon. Theuser can point their phone camera 602 at the ATM to obtain an image ofthe ATM's identifier 622, else the user can enter the identifier (if itis a number) via the phone keys. Hence, the customer can transmit theirrequested amount of cash along with the ID of an in-store ATM to thehost (step 504). The requested amount of cash can likewise be enteredvia the phone keys. Of course, other known ways of entering data may beused, such as voice to data conversion.

Continuing with the cash purchase, the customer can transmit (step 508)any necessary transaction data (e.g., customer account data, signature,PIN) not already provided via wireless communication from the phone 600to a transaction system computer 630, such as in a manner previouslydiscussed. The transaction computer can be a local in-storeself-checkout terminal 630 which is in communication with the storenetwork 610. The transaction data may or may not be stored in the phonememory prior to its transfer to the store network.

Alternatively, the customer may initially transmit transaction data fromthe phone to the in-store terminal 630. This data may correspond to justthe customer account, signature, and/or PIN. In such a scenario, at thispoint in the cash purchase process the customer may be requested toprovide (via their phone to the network) how much cash they want and theidentity of the particular ATM. As previously discussed, the customercan uses their phone to transmit the ATM identifier and the desiredamount of cash to the store network. The transmitting may involve aphone line network or the Internet. The phone can be used to transmitthe ATM identifier and the cash amount to a network device (or location)remote from the store.

The store network (which may include a secondary financial network)checks the received transaction data to determine 614 whether therequested cash withdrawal should be permitted; With network approval(step 510) of the requested cash withdrawal, the requested cash may thenbe dispensed via a cash dispenser in the ATM. Responsive to theapproval, the store network 610 correlates (e.g., charges, debits,bills, etc.) the customer's account 616 with the cash purchase (step512), similar to a merchandise purchase. The store network instructs thein-store ATM 620 (i.e., the ATM corresponding to the customer-providedATM identifier 622) to dispense the requested cash amount. Theinstruction to the ATM may cause the ATM to immediately dispense therequested cash (step 514). The store may receive a service fee forproviding the cash.

Furthermore, instead of instructing the ATM to immediately dispense thecash, the store network can provide (via the phone or a receipt) a codeto the customer (step 516). This code (e.g., a number or a combinationof numbers/letters) can later be inputted by the customer into thein-store ATM to receive the requested cash. The store network authorizesthe ATM to dispense the requested cash amount upon receiving theinputted code (step 518). The ATM may also have a walk-up code inputdevice that does not require conventional user verification input tooperate, or other suitable input device. That is, the user does not haveto insert an ATM card into the ATM prior to obtaining their cash. Forexample, the customer can approach the ATM, the customer inputs only thecode, the ATM dispenses the cash corresponding to the code, and thecustomer takes their purchased cash. The ATM input device can have keysthat are operative to accept manual input of the code. The ATM inputdevice can also be operative to accept wirelessly communicated input viathe phone. Furthermore, the code provided to the customer may be anetwork code. The network code may be used by the customer at any ATM inany store on the network. Alternatively, other identifiers, such as abiometric feature associated with the user or another type of associatedidentifier, may be used.

An alternative exemplary operation of purchasing cash will now bedescribed also with respect to FIG. 101 and FIG. 102. This operationincludes the additional step (step 506) of the host determining whetherthe selected ATM is able to perform the requested cash dispensing.

Communication is established (step 500) between the customer's portablehand-held device 600 (e.g., phone) and the store network 610. Thecustomer requests a cash withdrawal (step 502). The customer isinstructed to transmit request data (e.g., amount of cash withdrawaland/or ATM identifier). Instructions to the customer may be received viathe customer's phone.

Continuing with the cash purchase, the customer transmits (step 504) thecash request data (e.g., amount of cash and/or ATM identifier). Thecustomer may transmit data to the network (or an in-store terminalthereof) via the customer's phone. As previously discussed, the phonecamera 602 may be used to transmit an image of an ATM identifier 622.

In certain arrangements the store may be assigned a default ATM. This isparticularly useful when the store has a single ATM. The network usesthe store's only ATM as the default ATM. Therefore, when the customercalls the store's phone number, the network matches the phone number tothe store and determines the identity of the store's ATM from a datafile. Hence, when a customer initially calls in an in-store cashwithdrawal request, the phone number called informs the network whichATM to use. This arrangement can alleviate a customer from having toidentify the ATM.

The network 610 may be programmed to check 612 the status and/or abilityof the identified ATM to dispense the requested cash amount (step 506).The network confirms the ATM status as valid. Otherwise, the transactionis terminated. In other arrangements, the customer may be givenadditional options instead of terminating the transaction. For example,the customer may be provided the option of requesting a specificallydifferent (e.g., nearby) ATM on the network, or the option of receivinga network code which enables the customer to receive their cash at anyATM on the network.

After the network confirms the ATM(s) involved in the cash dispense,then the customer is instructed to transmit (step 508) their accountdata that is to be used for payment. Again, the customer can transmitthe account data (e.g., customer account data, signature, PIN) viawireless communication from the phone 600 to an in-store terminal 630 onthe network. The network determines 614 (or has another system verify)whether the received account data is valid for payment of the requestedcash purchase. The account data is deemed acceptable for payment (step510), else the transaction is terminated. In other arrangements, thecustomer may be given another chance to continue the transaction. Forexample, the customer may be provided the opportunity to transmitdifferent account data (e.g., a different customer account) for payment.If so, the network would again check the validity of the account forpurposes of payment.

After the customer's account data is deemed acceptable for payment (step510), then the store network (or another system with which the networkcan communicate) correlates (e.g., charges, debits, bills, etc.) thecustomer's account 616 with the cash purchase (step 512). The storenetwork enables (e.g., authorizes) the indicated ATM to dispense therequested cash. This enablement may include instructing the indicatedin-store ATM to immediately dispense the requested cash (step 514).Alternatively, the customer may be provided a code (step 516). The codemay be received by the customer via the customer's phone or in someother manner, such as by a paper receipt. Hence, the enablement mayinclude instructing or authorizing the indicated ATM to dispense therequested cash only in response to receiving the inputted code (step518). Also, if the code is a network code (instead of a code onlyuseable at a specific ATM) then the enablement may include instructingall the ATMs on the store network to dispense the requested cash uponreceiving the inputted code. As previously discussed, the ATMs may alsohave a walk-up code input device or other suitable input device.

It should be understood that it is within the scope of the invention tolikewise purchase merchandise or cash from a store using stored value ina user's portable hand-held device (e.g., phone). That is, a purchasecan also be made using a phone's stored cash value instead of (or incombination with) the phone's customer account data (and signature andPIN). The phone's stored value can be directly reduced, or the phone canhold the transaction data for later use in providing a charge againstthe user's account.

Likewise a purchase (of merchandise or cash) can be made with anelectronic check, as previously discussed. The store can accrue thetotal cost of purchase. The user's portable hand-held device (e.g.,phone) can send checking account and signature data (e.g., via IF or IRlink) to the store computer's check-generating template. As previouslydiscussed, the store computer can have the bank computer seekauthorization from the user to carry out the transaction. Afterconfirmation that an electronic check payment has occurred, then thestore can complete the purchase, such as by letting the merchandise outof the store without tripping the alarm, or causing the ATM to dispensethe requested cash withdrawal.

Thus the new transaction apparatus and method of the present inventionachieves at least one of the above stated objectives, eliminatesdifficulties encountered in the use of prior devices and systems, solvesproblems and attains the desirable results described herein.

In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity,clarity and understanding. However no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposesand are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover the descriptions andillustrations given herein are by way of examples and the invention isnot limited to the exact details shown and described.

In the following claims any feature described is a means for performinga function shall be construed as encompassing any means capable ofperforming the recited function known to those skilled in the art, andshall not be limited to the particular means shown in the foregoingdescription as performing the recited function or means merelyequivalent thereto.

Having described the features, discoveries and principals of theinvention, the manner in which it is constructed, operated and utilized,and the advantages and useful results attained; the new and usefulstructures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations,systems, equipment, operations, methods, and relationships are set forthin the appended claims.

1. A method of using a mobile phone that includes a camera and memorystoring account data and an electronic signature, in conducting afinancial transaction involving a check, wherein the phone is usable bya phone user involved in the financial transaction, wherein the accountdata is usable to link a financial account to an amount associated withthe check, wherein the electronic signature is representative of asignature of the phone user, wherein the using of the phone comprises:(a) operating the phone in acquiring an image of the check; (b)operating the phone in using a phone number to initiate the financialtransaction; (c) operating the phone to wirelessly transmit at least theaccount data and the electronic signature from the phone toward a checktransaction system during the financial transaction, responsive to thephone receiving input from the phone user; (d) operating the phone towirelessly transmit the image from the phone toward the checktransaction system during the financial transaction, responsive to thephone receiving input from the phone user; wherein steps (c) and (d) areoperative to cause the check transaction system to carry out at least apart of the financial transaction using the account data, the electronicsignature, and the image.
 2. The method according to claim 1 wherein thephone comprises a biometric reader, and further comprising (e) operatingthe biometric reader to read biometric information from the phone user;(f) operating the phone to determine that the biometric information readin step (e) corresponds to a user authorized to conduct the financialtransaction.
 3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the financialaccount is affiliated with the phone user, wherein step (c) comprisestransmitting an electronic signature of the phone user.
 4. The methodaccording to claim 1 wherein steps (c) and (d) cause the checktransaction system to carry out the financial transaction using theaccount data, the electronic signature, and the image.
 5. A method ofusing a phone during at least a part of conducting of a financialtransaction involving a check and a transaction system, wherein thephone includes a camera and memory and is usable by a phone userinvolved in the financial transaction, wherein the using of the phonecomprises: (a) operating the phone to acquire an image of the check; (b)operating the phone to initiate the financial transaction; (c) operatingthe phone to wirelessly transmit from the memory toward the transactionsystem during the financial transaction, account data corresponding toan account number involved in the financial transaction and signaturedata corresponding to a signature required in the financial transaction,responsive at least in part to the phone receiving input from the phoneuser,  during causing the transaction system to associate at least apart of an amount of the check with a financial account corresponding tothe account number; (d) operating the phone in wireless communication ofthe image; and (e) operating the phone to wirelessly receive transactiondata originating from the transaction system, wherein the transactiondata is associated with the financial transaction.
 6. The methodaccording to claim 5 wherein step (d) comprises operating the phone towirelessly transmit the image to the transaction system.
 7. The methodaccording to claim 5 wherein the signature data comprises an electronicsignature, wherein the memory stores account data and the electronicsignature, wherein step (c) comprises operating the phone to transmitthe account data and the electronic signature.
 8. The method accordingto claim 7 wherein the electronic signature comprises a scannedhandwritten signature, and further comprising (f) operating the phone tostore the handwritten signature in the memory.
 9. The method accordingto claim 7 wherein step (d) comprises operating the phone to wirelesslytransmit the image to the transaction system, and wherein step (d) issubsequent to step (c).
 10. The method according to claim 5 wherein instep (c) the account number data corresponds to a checking accountnumber affiliated with the check and the signature data corresponds to acheck payer signature affiliated with the check.
 11. The methodaccording to claim 5 wherein step (e) comprises operating the phone toreceive a receipt of the financial transaction.
 12. The method accordingto claim 5 and further comprising the transaction system, wherein thephone is in operative communication with the transaction system, andfurther comprising (f) operating the transaction system to: receive thedata transmitted in step (c); associate the financial account with anelectronic signature corresponding to the signature data; associate atleast a part of an amount of the check with the financial account; andcause the electronic signature and the account number of the financialaccount to be stored in correlated relation.
 13. The method according toclaim 5 wherein the financial transaction comprises a check transactionwith a financial institution, wherein step (b) comprises operating thephone to initiate communication with the financial institution.
 14. Amethod of using a check transaction system in conducting a financialtransaction involving a check and a mobile phone that includes a cameraand memory storing both account data corresponding to an account numberusable to associate a financial account with an amount of the check andsignature data corresponding to a signature required in the financialtransaction, wherein the using of the check transaction systemcomprises: (a) operating the check transaction system to receivefinancial transaction-initiating communication wirelessly sent from thephone; (b) operating the check transaction system to receive transactiondata sent from the phone, wherein the transaction data includes theaccount data and the signature data; (c) operating the check transactionsystem during the financial transaction to obtain an image of the check;(d) operating the check transaction system during the financialtransaction in using the account data received in step (b) to cause afinancial account to be associated with an amount of the check; and (e)operating the check transaction system to cause data associated with thefinancial transaction to be sent toward the phone.
 15. The methodaccording to claim 14 wherein step (c) comprises operating the checktransaction system to receive the image from the phone.
 16. The methodaccording to claim 14 wherein step (e) comprises operating the checktransaction system to cause a receipt of the financial transaction to besent to the phone.
 17. The method according to claim 14 and furthercomprising (f) operating the check transaction system during thefinancial transaction to cause at least a part of the financialtransaction to be carried out using the signature data received in step(b).
 18. The method according to claim 14 wherein the signature datacomprises an electronic signature, wherein step (b) comprises operatingthe check transaction system to receive the electronic signature fromthe phone.
 19. The method according to claim 18 wherein step (c) issubsequent to step (b).
 20. The method according to claim 18 wherein thetransaction system comprises a transaction host, wherein the electronicsignature comprises a scanned handwritten signature, and furthercomprising (f) prior to step (a), scanning the handwritten signature;(g) storing the handwritten signature scanned in step (f) in the memory;wherein step (b) includes operating the transaction host to wirelesslyreceive the handwritten signature from the phone.